Under the Covers (18 page)

She rose to her feet. His hands clasped hers warmly, and two dark brown eyes twinkled at her. “Miss Smith, I’m Chief Lodge of the Kooskia Tribe.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Chief Lodge.” Sophie smiled up at a face similar to Jake’s. Strong features set into a bronze face with lines created by laughter, though the sculpted jaw hinted at a stubbornness she’d already encountered in Jake, who had to be related. Charisma and charm surrounded the elder. If the chief were anything to go by, her new nemesis would age well. “Please call me Sophie.”

“Ah, Sophie. Such a pretty name.” The chief gestured for her to retake her seat as he turned and sat at the head of the table. He wore faded jeans over scuffed brown cowboy boots with a deep red button-down shirt. “I see you’ve met my grandson and lawyer, Jake.”

“Yes.” The warmth deserted her as she eyed Jake. His grin in return made her want to throw something. At his head.

“So.” The chief’s upper lip quirked. “What can I do for you, Sophie?”

Sophie focused on the elder’s calm facade. Those deep lines sat comfortably on a smooth face—he could be anywhere between fifty and a thousand years old.

“I’m here to explain the golf course proposal and earn the support from the Kooskia Tribe.” She hoped to have better luck with the elder than his grandson.

Wisdom flowed through the chief’s eyes along with amusement. “Is that why you’re here?”

“Um, well, yes.” Sophie tossed a quick look to Jake. Did the chief know anything about her proposal or not?

“Oh, I’ve studied your design,” the chief reassured her. “Sometimes what we think we know isn’t what we really know.”

“I don’t understand.”

The chief shrugged. “You don’t need to.” He reclined in his chair. “I have to tell you that your design is magnificent.”

Sophie’s eyes widened. “Really?”

“Yes. Wonderful—looks like a great course to play. I love to golf, you know.”

Sophie slanted a glance toward Jake, but his implacable face revealed nothing. She turned back to the chief. “The development will bring money to the tribe and casino.”

“Yes, I believe that it would.” He clasped broad hands together on the hard table. Hands that reminded her of Jake’s. The breeze tossed the sweet scent of berries through the room as the chief breathed deep in appreciation. “Huckleberries. Should be quite the crop this year.” He focused on Sophie’s face. “They grow wild all over your client’s property.”

Sophie maintained her smile. “I understand huckleberries grow wild across all the nearby mountains, even by the roadside.”

The chief flashed an amused grin. “That they do. You’re a spunky one, Sophie Smith.”

“Thank you.” Sophie ignored Jake’s sudden grin.

“And the course really does look like a fun one; I especially like the water hazards.” The chief nodded.

“So you’ll support the project?” Her heart leaped into full gallop.

“Oh, no,” the chief said sadly, still with a twinkle in his deep eyes. “I can’t do that.”

Even though she’d expected his rejection, a ball of dread slammed into her gut. “Could I ask why?”

“The land doesn’t want a golf course there.”

Not this again. “The land?” Sophie tried not to sigh in exasperation.

“Yes.” The chief grinned. “Have you asked the land?”

Sophie’s spine straightened at Jake’s quiet snort. “Um, no, not really.”

“Well then, it’s all settled.” The chief rose.

“What’s settled?” Sophie lurched to stand.

“Jake will take you tomorrow to talk to the land. You two can ride over the northern ridge and maybe have a picnic overlooking the lake.”

“Grandpa,” Jake started to protest as he took to his feet. His chair echoed his annoyance as it slid back with a creak.

“That’s an order from both the chief and your grandpa, boy,” the chief said with a hard glint in his eye.

Jake turned to Sophie, his broad form blocking the sunlight. Humor creased his cheek, adding charm to the lethal angles of his face. “I’ll pick you up at ten tomorrow morning.”

“Wow.” Sophie smiled at the chief. “Can you order him to stop being obnoxious and arrogant, too?”

Jake shot her a warning glance.

The chief roared out a deep laugh. “Sorry, Sophie. Those traits are from his grandma’s side.” The elder chuckled as he ambled out the door.

“I am not going horseback riding with you.” Sophie rounded on Jake and threw her hands in the air before leaving his office to head outside. Sure, she needed to see the area to get a better idea for her design—just to make sure she’d covered all her bases. But she’d drive there.

“It appears you are, darlin’. Where we’re going is only accessible via horseback. No vehicles.” He moved silently, his scent of man and musk swimming over her as he reached the door and opened it.

Damn it. Now she needed to ride another horse.

Jake turned her around, and a broad hand at her lower back propelled her into sunshine. Natural pine scent filled the air, and gravel crunched underneath their feet. He walked her to the Jeep and opened the driver’s door, his hands sliding around her waist.

The gentle touch slid right under her skin, zinged around, and throbbed between her legs. She coughed. “I can get into the Jeep.”

He grinned and lifted her inside. “I know, but my mama taught me to be a gentleman.”

Sophie swallowed. “That wasn’t gentlemanly.”

His chuckle caressed her skin as if his tongue traced each inch. “I didn’t say I was good at the lessons.” His hands lingered on her waist, and his midnight dark eyes caressed her heated features.

Sophie tried to ignore the strength in the hands at her hips. He had lifted her into the Jeep like she weighed nothing. And his broad chest blocked out the sun. In fact, all she could see were those onyx eyes devouring her. Interest and something even darker lurked there. Flutters cascaded through her belly.

The man wanted to kiss her.

Acknowledgments

There are so many folks who help to make sure a book becomes a final product—many behind the scenes whose names I don’t even know.

Thank you to my very patient and understanding family. Thanks to my husband, Tony, for the amazing support, laughs, and fun. It’s nice you don’t think I’m crazy for talking to the character voices in my head. Thanks to Gabe and Karly—I’m so proud of both of you!

Thank you to my spectacular agent, Caitlin Blasdell—I’m so glad I found you. I’ve used almost all of the really good adjectives to describe how awesome you are…I’m going to have to think up some new ones for upcoming books. Thanks as well to the gang at Liza Dawson Associates—you’re a wonderful group.

Thank you to my editor, Liz Pelletier, who gives excellent editorial advice and always has a terrific sense of humor. I hope we have many more books together in the future…and many more chances to meet up in person. I love those times!

Thank you to my Entangled team: Heather Howland, Misa Ramirez, Jessica Estep, Barbara Hightower, Sarah Weiss, Cameron Yeager, Alethea Spiridon Hopson, Jacki Rosellen, and Robin Haseltine. Also to everyone who has worked on my behalf whose names I don’t know yet.

Thank you to the Lethal Ladies for the support and help through the years. Thanks to the Inland Empire Chapter of RWA—I appreciate the support and friendship. Thanks also to my hardworking Facebook Street Team—you’re a lot of fun, and you always make me smile. I appreciate the hard work!

Finally, thank you to my constant support system: The Englishes, Smiths, Wests, Zanettis, Chapmans, and Namsons. You’re the best!

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner—only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes contemporary romances, dark paranormal romances, and romantic suspense novels.

Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day—or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

Please visit Rebecca at:

http://www.rebeccazanetti.com/

http://www.facebook.com/RebeccaZanetti.Author.FanPage

https://twitter.com/RebeccaZanetti

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